Professors allowed to decrease exam writing time

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many changes have been implemented at the university to ensure classes continue. Exams are no longer taking place in the gymnasium on campus and professors have the ability to either cancel them, move them online, or give take-home exams to students.

Exams that are taking place online are scheduled at the same time they would have been before in-person classes were cancelled.

Changing exam time slots at their own discretion

These changes to exams mean that professors will likely be adjusting them to better suit the situation. While take-home and online exams sound great, they may not be any easier than in-person exams and you should still study.

Most exams are scheduled for a three hour time slot, usually providing students more than enough time to finish them. The current situation allows professors to adjust this period of time at their own discretion. This may put some students at a disadvantage who rely on the full three hours.

“According to the special academic sub-committee that was formed to make all academic regulation decisions in response to COVID-19, it is up to the professor to change the allotted time given to complete an exam during the regularly scheduled exam slot.” Patrick Hickey, President of the UNB-SRC, said. “This committee suggested that students speak directly with their professors regarding their concerns if the allotted time for their exam has changed.”

Accommodations and support still available

Hickey said that the SRC is concerned about students may not received enough time to complete their exams “especially considering this will be the first time, for most students, writing their exams online.”

“If you are concerned about a change in the allotted time to complete your exam and it has not been addressed by your instructor, feel free to reach out to me at president@unbsrc.ca and we can bring your concerns to the academic committee.” Hickey said.

Ken Craft, UNBSJ’s Student Accessibility Counsellor, said that those with diagnosed disabilities still qualify for extended writing time.

“Students with diagnosed disabilities who are registered with the Student Accessibility Centre are entitled to appropriate academic accommodations to compensate for the functional limitations of their disability.” Craft said.